Bilingual Community Outreach Specialist - Aurora - Family Guidance Centers, Inc

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. (FGC), a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization, treats and prevents substance use disorder, as well as an array of other related problems. Since 1969, FGC’s comprehensive programming has educated and guided individuals toward their full potential as productive members within their own families and our society. Family Guidance Centers, Inc seeks to support the behavioral health of individuals, families, and communities through our commitment to innovation, accountability, and compassionate care to facilitate positive, lasting change.

Essential Duties:

• Conduct outreach to people who use drugs, people experiencing homelessness, and communities. Also, educate on overdose prevention and distribute overdose prevention supplies.
• Educate on overdose prevention, distribute prevention supplies, and provide support in both English and Spanish as needed.
• Describe FGC programs, services, and eligibility requirements in simple terms to those struggling with opioid and alcohol addiction, and those at risk of overdosing, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities.
• Identify and direct prospective referrals to FGC and other treatment providers based on patients’ specific needs and preferences.
• Develop referral relationships with shelter partners, homeless outreach teams, local task forces, hospital social workers, faith-based and local community organizations, and other community-based organizations as appropriate, serving as their liaison to accessing treatment services offered by FGC.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday (7:30a - 4:00p)

Start Date: ASAP

Work Location: 751 Aurora Ave., Aurora 

Starting Pay Rate: $20.00

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. is a Drug Free Environment (including THC and/or CBD).

DCFS clearance required.

Family Guidance Centers, Inc. is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity without regard for race, ethnicity , pregnancy, gender, protected veterans status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion.

Education and/or Experience: High School Diploma or equivalent. An Associate’s degree or certification as a Community Health Worker preferred. Experience in behavioral health, community health outreach, substance use harm reduction, withdrawal management programs, medication-assisted treatment, and/or community relations required. Lived experience is highly valued.

Preferred but not required: possess a valid driver's license, insurance, and personal vehicle

In the course of regular program operations, FGC outreach staff may be asked to utilize their own vehicles to transport themselves to and from outreach locations. In these cases, it is helpful but not necessary for staff to have access to their own vehicle. Candidates will never be disqualified from a position because they do not have a license, insurance, or personal vehicle. Programs will work with each staff member individually to ensure that they are able to travel to and from work locations safely and effectively. 

Family Guidance Centers Inc. offers opportunities for individuals with an interest in behavioral health. Our organization provides a comprehensive benefit package for full time employment that includes:

• Health Insurance
• Dental 
• Vision
• Life Insurance,
• EAP 
• 401k pension plan
• Vacation, sick and personal days with paid holidays off are included in our paid time off compensation package